Gaskets & Goop.

[Jake11]

A little food for thought......
Gaskets leak sometimes. Could be the parts didn't line up quite
like they should. Could be the gasket moved/slipped when assembled.
Other times it's the seals all goop. The gasket seals best "dry".
Why? There are only two places to leak. Between gasket and surfaces
to be sealed. Add some sealing goop and now there's four more places
for a leak, and made it easy for the gasket to slip out of position.

If this helps someone, then good. Jake

[ToughOldFord]

Hey Jake, long time no see!

[green68250]

I use Motorcraft RTV sealant for the 7.3 diesel. I used that stuff on my valve covers and oil pan and no leakes at all. That stuff is the best sealant out there IMO. Its spendy but I get it free where I work.

Corbin

[fitzwell]

Every situation is different. Seen head gaskets leak when installed dry(per manufacturers instructions) I spray a thin coat of Copper Coat, against the instructions & never had one leak There are a number of different sealers, adhesives that i use, depending on the application. Main problem most folks have is WAY too much goo & not enough time to let it set up. Manufacturers put instructions on all of that stuff for a reason.

as always

[bobbyinpd]

First off, jake, good to see you back my local friend! Second, I use coppercoat on almost everything, water pumps, Stat Housings, Trans pans, diff covers, timing covers, fuel pumps, base gaskets, etc. For valve covers, get the nice rubber with steel shim internal gaskets, you'll do great. for oil pans, get the nice rubber/steel shim one piece ones from fel-pro and use a little Permatex black RTV on the front and rear. With intake manifold gaskets, use copper coat on the paper wit a dab of Permatex black on the lower corners where they meet the block to hold them in place and Permatex black RTV on the block ends. NEVER USE THOSE RUBBER PIECES THEY GIVE YOU THEY NEVER SEAL RIGHT!!